Mount Carmel Catholic College Opens $23m New STEM Facilities

The Blessing and Opening of the new facilities was officiated by the Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev Brian Mascord.

The impressive cutting-edge facility, designed to foster the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, features 5 general classrooms; 3 woodwork rooms and a machinery room—equipped with industry-standard tools and machinery to foster hands-on skills in woodworking and design; 6 science labs and a hub with collaborative workspaces to facilitate scientific inquiry and experimentation; and a digital technology room offering cutting-edge technology. The facility also includes 2 seminar rooms and a Technology and Applied Studies (TAS)/STEM hub, which will provide a collaborative space for students to work on projects, access resources, and engage in interdisciplinary learning across TAS and STEM subjects.

College Principal Mr Stephen Lo Cascio expressed his excitement about the new facilities.

“The feedback from our students and staff  has been overwhelming,” he said. “These new spaces significantly enhance our ability to provide quality learning and teaching experiences. This investment reflects our commitment to providing students with the best possible resources to excel in STEM fields and provide further opportunities for excellence for our students.”

Mr Nathan Hagarty, State Member for Leppington, welcomed the upgraded facilities, emphasising the importance of investing in education to support the region's rapid growth. 

“Investing in education is one of the most important things we can do for our children and our community, and this incredible new STEM building at Mount Carmel Catholic College is a great example,” said Mr Hagarty.

“These new facilities will open doors for students, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in the Macarthur region.”

Mount Carmel Catholic College, a co-educational secondary school with a strong Marist tradition, has served the Macarthur area since 1985. With over 1100 students, the College provides a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where students can excel both academically and spiritually.

“We have seen phenomenal growth in the Macarthur area in recent years and continue to experience high demand from Catholic families,” said Mr Lo Cascio. “To help meet this demand, the College will increase to an 8-stream (240 students per grade) school beginning with Year 7 in 2025, which will allow us to eventually enrol approximately 1300 students each year.”

As well as the Bishop of Wollongong; Peter Hill – Director of Schools Diocese of Wollongong; Kevin Morrison - Director of Capital Planning and Resources (CPAR), from Catholic Schools NSW; and Nathan Hagarty MP – State Member for Leppington (representing The Hon. Prue Car – Minister of Education and Deputy Premier of NSW) attended the significant event.